the name of the settlement, at the head
of the harbour (Rose Hill) was changed, by order of the governor, to that
of Parramatta, the native name of it. As Rose Hill has, however, occurred
so often in this book, I beg leave, to avoid confusion, still to continue
the appellation in all future mention of it.

Our travelling friend Boladeree, who makes so conspicuous a figure in the
last chapter, about this time committed an offence which we were obliged
to notice. He threw a spear at a convict in the woods, and wounded him. The
truth was, some mischievous person belonging to us had wantonly destroyed
his canoe, and he revenged the injury on the first of our people whom he
met unarmed. He now seemed to think the matter adjusted; and probably such
is the custom they observe in their own society in similar cases. Hearing,
however, that an order was issued to seize him, or in case that could not
be effected, to shoot him, he prudently dropped all connection with us and
was for a long time not seen.

But if they sometimes injured us, to compensate they were often of signal
benefit to those who needed their assistance: two instances of which had
recently occurred. A boat was overset in the harbour Baneelon and some
other natives, who saw the accident happen, immediately plunged in, and
saved all the people. When they had brought them on shore, they undressed
them, kindled a fire and dried their clothes, gave them fish to eat and
conducted them to Sydney.

The other instance was of a soldier lost in the woods, when he met a party
of natives. He at first knew not whether to flee from them, or to implore
their assistance. Seeing among them one whom he knew, he determined to
communicate his distress to him and to rely on his generosity. The Indian
told him that he had wandered a long way from home, but that he would
conduct him thither, on the single condition of his delivering up a gun
which he held in his hand, promising to carry it for him and to restore
it to him at parting. The soldier felt little inclination to surrender
his arms, by which he would be put entirely in their power. But seeing no
alternative, he at last consented; on which the whole party laid down their
spears and faithfully escorted him to the nearest part of the settlement,
where the gun was given up, and they took their leave without asking for
any remuneration, or even seeming to expect it.

The distressful state of the colony for provisions continued gra